As health care systems across the globe are pushed to a near breaking point by the coronavirus crisis, safe abortion and contraceptives have been suspended in many countries. South Africa is one of those countries.

This is dangerous for a variety of reasons. When access to safe abortions and contraceptives is limited or blocked, maternal death rates rise sharply. Thousands of women die from unsafe abortion procedures, risky pregnancies, or during childbirth. Teen pregnancy rates go up every time a crisis blocks access to contraceptives. It costs more for a woman to be treated for complications from a botched abortion than to have a safe abortion or access to contraceptives. Additionally, there is a great risk of the government using the coronavirus crisis and a lack of these services as an excuse to undo years of fighting for women’s reproductive freedom.

There is no excuse to deny women the services they need and deserve to protect themselves from pregnancy and childbirth-related health risks and death. Sign this petition to urge South Africa’s government to keep safe abortion and contraceptives easily accessible to women during this crisis.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Your Excellency,

South Africa’s health care systems are limiting or outright blocking women’s access to contraceptives and safe abortions during the coronavirus crisis. This is extremely dangerous for a variety of reasons; not only does it risk giving the government an excuse to roll back reproductive rights and freedoms, but when such services are limited, teen pregnancies and maternal death rates rise.

Reports and studies show that this has happened several times in the past, and history is doomed to repeat itself unless South Africa keeps sexual health services accessible during this time of crisis. You must protect girls and women across the country from the medical and financial risks that come with a lack of contraceptives and safe abortion. Keep these services readily available at all times, especially now.